Green Fingered Enthusiasts Urged Not To Get Their Hosepipes In A Twist

Online, April 3, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Gardeners in a panic about an imposing hosepipe ban have been warned to stay calm.

Around 20 million people will be affected by the stoppage, being introduced from Thursday 5th April.

Those found breaching the terms of it risk being prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

However, Emma Scott from Turf Supplies Direct said established lawns can survive in the heat and new turf can still be laid despite the ban.

"Established lawns don't need that much water. They get what they need from the rain. People with a south facing garden are going to be the worst affected. Those with a north facing garden will be best off and those west and east facing will be 50/50."

People need to maximise any rainfall by collecting it in a water butt. During long periods of dry weather a garden can be kept well moisturised by filling a watering can with water from the butt.

At the moment watering cans are exempt from the Government's ban and keen gardeners can still maintain their turf with it said Emma who works for one of the country's leading turf suppliers.

"As long as the lawn is strong and healthy we would advise people to water at night. If you spend an hour with a watering can at seven in the morning you're wasting the water."

In addition there is no reason why people who have planned to lay a new turf during a hosepipe ban can't continue with their plans and get their lawn turf supplies.

"People with small lawns can lay their lawn and water it with a watering can no problem. They'll need to water it every day. You can also dig organic compost into the soil. One bulk bag per 50 square metres put in before you lay the lawn will significantly retain moisture," added Emma.

If gardeners are in a county which is outside the hosepipe ban then watering twice a day for two weeks will be sufficient to help establish your new turf. During the hosepipe ban the watering should still be done but with a watering can. There are also signs to look out for which will tell you if your lawn is too dry.

If gaps appear around the border that's a clear indication gardeners have not watered enough.

Turf Supplies Direct's Manager Emma Scott advises you should also plan laying turf around the rain.

"Get it down when it's raining. Get the soil ready and get the turf delivered when it's raining that way you get free water.

"There is no reason why people with small domestic gardens can't continue gardening. We've had droughts before and grass is extremely resilient. Once the hosepipe ban is lifted, they can start to use their hosepipe again."

She said: "A grass seed can live for up to 200 years. It'll germinate again when the conditions are right. In Texas they can have complete water restrictions for 10 months of the year and the grass survives."

However, there is one golden rule which should be followed - "Keep kids and pets off the lawn during dry periods. If the grass is really dry, dogs running on it can pull it up and then it dies."